The roof is perhaps the most important part of a home. It requires continual maintenance and upkeep to prevent mold growth, cracks and leaks. Insect infestations can easily occur if a roof is not treated and sprayed with proper chemicals. Some insurance providers will pay for roofing repairs and replacement due to weather damage, but it depends on the location of your home. Regardless, here’s what you need to know to ensure an effective and protective roof.

Weatherproofing Basics

Many people look for ways to save money on energy costs but do not realize they need to focus on weatherproofing their home to lower their bills. Windows and doors should have plenty of weather-stripping around the interior side to reduce drafts. When air is able to escape through these small holes, it increases energy costs. Check the exterior of your home and add extra caulking to the window sills and door jambs. This will help to prevent small leaks that allow air to exit or enter. It can also prevent problems with pests.

Roofing Repairs

Every homeowner should regularly check on the roofing of their home, making sure shingles are intact to prevent leaks and other serious problems. Leaks and cracks in the sheathing can cause water damage problems. Based on the reason your roof is leaking, an insurance company may not pay the costs. You need to check your insurance policy to find out what exactly is covered. Most homeowners will need to pay for additional policies to cover roof repairs due to weather-related problems. Routine problems such as an aging roof will not typically be covered under an insurance plan. The additional costs for water damage, wind damage and other weather-related issues will vary based on your insurance provider and your specific plan. For some, the cost can be an extra $1,500 on top of their deductible.

Protecting Your Home

Since it can be expensive to deal with the insurance company and pay out of pocket for repairs, the best thing a homeowner can do is focus on maintaining their home. Mold caused by water damage can cost you serious money and could lead to health concerns. If you have any water damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company. They have all the right equipment to properly clean up water damage and prevent mold growth.

Hire a professional roofer to inspect and maintain your roof once a year. They will check for signs of roofing damage and repair problems. They can also treat a roof with chemical sprays that will prevent leaking and extend the lifespan of the roof.

As a homeowner, you can help maintain your roof by cleaning out the gutters. This will allow water to correctly move off the roof and through the downspouts. Use a power washer to help move any mud out of the gutters. Gutter guards are another effective way to keep the gutters free of leaves and other debris.

While weatherproofing and maintenance can be time consuming, they are effective in preventing serious problems and expensive repair bills!

This  article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert. If you’re looking to repair damages from past weather related incidents, and need services like hail damage roof repair, Chase recommends choosing Quick Roofing.